Pulmonary Function Among COVID-19 Patients in Home Isolation Program

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are typically treated as outpatients.
• Pulmonary function in this demographic remains under-explored.
• This study investigates lung function abnormalities in COVID-19 patients undergoing home isolation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and types of abnormal lung functions in patients with mild COVID-19 managed under home isolation.
• To assess pulmonary function changes at baseline and after 3-month follow-up.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 250 asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 patients with normal chest radiographs.
• Spirometry measurements including FEV1, FVC, PEF, FEF25-75, and BDR were collected at baseline and 3-month follow-up.
• Abnormal lung functions were categorized into specific patterns like airway obstruction and restrictive defects.

Main Results:

• 28.4% of patients exhibited abnormal lung functions, predominantly restrictive patterns (14.4%) and small airway disease (8.4%).
• Significant changes from baseline were observed in FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, PEF, and FEF25-75.
• Higher body mass index correlated with a reduced risk of abnormal lung function.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of mild COVID-19 outpatients experience residual pulmonary impairment.
• Restrictive patterns and small airway disease are the most common ventilatory defects observed.
• Further long-term studies are warranted to understand the full impact of mild COVID-19 on lung health.